Business analytics provides sophisticated tools to analyze data for competitive advantage in new ways, providing real-time insights across the value chain, from inventory management to pricing. Understand how CFOs can strengthen ties throughout the business by taking the lead to apply analytics to operational decisions.

U.S. holiday spending will increase 4% to 4.5% from last year, according to Deloitte’s annual holiday sales forecast, an optimistic forecast as retailers head into the Thanksgiving and Black Friday shopping weekend. With the short, 27-day shopping stretch between Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, retailers need to be sharp with their promotional timing, inventory management and distribution capabilities, says Alison Kenney Paul, vice chairman and leader, U.S. Retail and Distribution practice, Deloitte LLP.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and other retailers know that algorithms and IT systems are only as good as the data that they can analyze. Wal-Mart is working with a standards-setting group that makes it easier for suppliers to send more and better product information to retailers.

Out-of-stocks are a chronic struggle for retailers, who are forever tinkering with ways to minimize them. With encouragement from PepsiCo, grocery store chain Safeway turned to data visualization software in 2012 to identify stores experiencing the most out-of-stocks and improve their performance. The data visualization pilot has led to measurable operational improvements, and now Safeway is incorporating the technology more broadly across its supply chain organization.